They're tryiing to drive me crazy...

[foodlady]

My boys' had preschool today, and going through their "mail," I notice that Thursday (2 days from now), is "Clown Day." The kids are all supposed to dress silly, like a clown.

Now, I'm careful about reading the mail (and I get it x2), and this is the first I've heard of "clown day." My kids are four. They wear sweat pants and blue jeans. They don't own "silly" clothes. (Pajama day was fine. Everyone owns pajamas!)

I'm just so irritated!

I mentioned it to the boys, and they both said, "I don't want to do that." So I suppose I'm off the hook. But, goodness. What is their preschool thinking????

[rosie_one]

Ack... I hate this too.

Last month, on two days notice, I was supposed to send a yoyo to school with my kindergarten aged son. We don't have any yoyos... Am I supposed to make a trip to the store specifically for a yoyo? I sent him with a Yoyo Ma CD instead. Couldn't they just have worn yellow for the letter Y? I wrote a note to his teacher asking for at least a week notice before needing special items. I think all that did was make her defensive. I should have just put up with it I guess....

Last week I was supposed to send eggs. Funny really, expecting my 6 year old son to get 3 eggs to school without breakage. We made it. Today was vest day, everyone was supposed to wear a vest. Other items have been baggies, red and green frosting, new tube socks, pie crust, popcorn, soap makings. Seriously, between my two kids it is like a constant scaveneger hunt. I'm glad I'm not alone. :)

Sorry! Vent over.

[Aubergine]

what i used to do at those times was to call a couple of other moms and try to figure out the general consensus. clown-stuff is one thing, but asking for a yoyo with no advance notice is very far-fetched, imo, although i love the YoYo Ma cello CD solution!:D

sounds to me like some parents need to band together and approach the preschool director as a group on advance notice issues. however, be forewarned: as they get older it gets worse: emergency runs to Staples for materials for the science project due tom'w, and the perennial gym clothes that need washing and drying on short notice.

[zwieback]

The short notice is bad, especially for items that one might not typically have lying around the house. What is the purpose of these "days"? Is there a supposed teaching purpose for them? Just curious. When I was a kid, the only dress up days we had were Halloween and spirit day, when we would wear the school colors. I'm really quite curious as to what purpose clown and vest day serve.

[HRJ]

Oy. I would be seriously annoyed by "clown day."

Funny this should come up, because on our annual preschool evaluations, that was one thing I mentioned -- that parents should have more advance notice when we have to send random items to school with our kids. The school is usually pretty responsive to parent requests, but that seems to have gone un-noted.

I remember one time last fall, we had to bring in 10 different types of leaves -- I totally forget about it, until I saw other kids walking into the building carrying leaves, so DS and I just picked up a bunch from the sidewalk in front of the school. ;)

I love the Yo-Yo Ma idea!

Helene

[rosie_one]

The teacher thought the CD was fun and she played it quite a bit during Y week, but my son did miss out on the yoyo activity. Ah well, I don't think it will prevent him from kindergarten suma cum laude. :D

Most of the time, when they ask for things I think teachers are trying to be creative and thematic on a very tight budget. I commend them for that, but it does add to the frazzle factor. Sometimes that last little thing is just enough to push you over the edge. I don't remember my mom doing this kind of stuff or being as involved with my grade school as I feel I'm expected to be. Though, maybe she did and I just didn't appreciate it at the time.

[jellyben]

I mentioned it to the boys, and they both said, "I don't want to do that." So I suppose I'm off the hook. But, goodness. What is their preschool thinking????

Just a thought, but my kids will often say they don't want to do something, like wear PJs to school, that is until we walk in to the class and they are the only one not wearing them. I would hate for your kids to miss out on clown day-maybe they can wear mismatched socks? Do clowns ever wear mwtching socks?!

My kids' school is good about stressing not to run out and buy something for a one-time event, so I have been lucky. DS did hand me a piece of paper the other day as we were walking out to the busstop that said he needed 100 of something. We ran into the house and counted out 100 noodles!

Yo Yo Ma-love it!! BRILLIANT!!!

[foodlady]

I'm so glad to know I'm not alone! And not so glad to learn that this will only get worse. Someday, I'm going to write a parenting book that tells it like it is....

Just a thought, but my kids will often say they don't want to do something, like wear PJs to school, that is until we walk in to the class and they are the only one not wearing them. I would hate for your kids to miss out on clown day-maybe they can wear mismatched socks? Do clowns ever wear mwtching socks?!



This is my fear. I'm going to call a few other moms in their class and see what they're planning to do. Maybe I can talk them into wearing pajama bottoms with a flannel shirt...or their Santa slippers....

Oy!

[BarbaraL]

DD's in college, so I'm way past this, but one teacher in high school used to have "Hawaiian shirt" day every once in a while. I think it was just for fun, but who had a Hawaiian shirt? Luckily, I had a couple of old camp-style shirts in loud prints from years ago that were close enough - a reason to never clean out the attic!

[barbara-cook]

The younger years are fun, aren't they? I've run around looking for strange items (when I don't really have the time, OR the energy) that they need to have the next day. I've watched my husband do the same for my step daughters (we have to build a pyramid out of sugar cubes, and then spray paint it to look like sand), and I've done it for my son (the obsure book that had to be picked up from a library in the next town).

It's not fun, it makes you very crazy, and no, I don't remember my Mom having to do that kind of thing for me when I was in school either. I'm sure she did, but it just doesn't seem like it!

I wish all you Mom's out there good luck. Try to stay sane. In a few short years, it will all end, and then what will you do with all your spare time? (wink wink).

I loved the YoYo Ma CD idea too! Good thinking! (Lucky you had it!)

[Kathy B]

And here I am thinking "At least you got the mail!" :p

Once they hit middle school, you don't find out about special needs until the night before when they suddenly remember to tell you. Forget about MAIL! It is usually buried in the bottom of their backpacks to be found only a week or more after the fact. High School is even worse!

But sorry, you were talking about clowns......How about a little face painting for a clown face. Red nose, big smile, call it a day.

[SDMomChef]

This post is so timely! This morning, my kindergarten DD pulled a note out of her backpack from her teacher that she "gets" to bring snacks today for the 22 kids in her class. My bad for not checking her backpack last night - but, please - 1 day notice to bring snacks is crazy.

[hlao23]

What about some of your clothes? That sounds bad, doesn't it. :D

but...some grown-up clothes might work...since it would look odd on a preschooler. Get bright colours, belts. Any old hats around?

[BarbaraL]

but, please - 1 day notice to bring snacks is crazy.

What??!! You mean, you don't spend your days and nights just hanging around to be of service to your kids? Both DD and the kid across the street (whose mom was a friend of mine) got attitude from various teachers because their mothers worked and couldn't always accommodate some of their demands. Considering the fact that the teachers were working mothers, I found their attitude annoying.

[Angelina]

I don't have kids, so I don't have to deal with all this. But I was wondering...do the teachers keep in consideration the financial situation of a family? I mean, snacks for the whole class can get expensive. What if you can't afford it? Do you have to explain yourself to the teacher?

Angela

[clairea]

I don't have kids, so I don't have to deal with all this. But I was wondering...do the teachers keep in consideration the financial situation of a family? I mean, snacks for the whole class can get expensive. What if you can't afford it? Do you have to explain yourself to the teacher?

Angela

Angela, I know my kids' teachers certainly do keep this in mind, and I would hope most others do. We are lucky to go to a public school with an extremely well-funded PTA, so teachers have a fund to use to buy school supplies, snacks, requested "extras", etc. for the kids who can't afford it. I know I, and most other parents I know, also send in a few extras on our week -- over the course of the year it adds up, so there is plenty if someone can't afford to do snack, forgets, or otherwise can't do it for whatever reason. The teachers also know which parents they can call on to provide an extra snack at the last minute -- people's financial situations, time, etc. vary. I do think it is courtesy to let the teacher know if you are going to be unable to do something that is asked, but I don't think anyone is ever asked to "explain themselves." A simple "we won't be able to do this" is sufficient, and I would be shocked and appalled by any teacher who didn't accept that gracefully and simply find someone or some way to fill the gap.

As far as getting requests at the last minute, I am amazed at how common this is. I know it happens with older kids, where they are supposed to tell you about things, but with early elementary and preschool it really surprises me. I know in my preschool class I always try (usually successfully) to give at least 2 weeks notice of anything that I will need sent in from home, and I always seem to have gotten the same from my children's teachers (different school). I have to admit as a teacher it really bugs me if I plan an activity, count on someone to send in snack, or whatever, and then can't follow through because the parents don't do it and don't tell me they won't be able to, but if I don't give them enough time I only have myself to blame.

For the "clown clothes", I would just let them wear mismatched clothes, or something of yours, or something like that. A lot of preschoolers will see anything out of the ordinary as "silly."

[SDMomChef]

What??!! You mean, you don't spend your days and nights just hanging around to be of service to your kids? Both DD and the kid across the street (whose mom was a friend of mine) got attitude from various teachers because their mothers worked and couldn't always accommodate some of their demands. Considering the fact that the teachers were working mothers, I found their attitude annoying.


<<SNORT>> :D

As to Angelina's comment on the cost, I don't know what our school policy is, but I also thought of this issue last year when my twins were in kindergarten. During their "star of the week", they also got to bring in snacks EVERY DAY during that week - that is 22 kids x 5 days = expensive, time consuming and down right made me crabby - and I like to bake! Even worse, they were in separate classes, and so we had to do that twice!

So, I guess all things considering - a 1 day notice to bring snacks for the kids is better than having to do it for a week!

That being said, I don't understand why teachers could not just send home notes saying that they need donations of snacks - rather than unilaterally selecting kids to bring snacks. Clearly, I need to be more involved in the PTA....but wait, I am a working mom and the PTA meets at 2:00 in the afternoon. Yes, I have complained, but I get a cold shoulder because it is run by the SAHMs and the current "regime" is not really working mom sympathetic. I have good friends that are SAHMs, and I know the current "regime" is the exception, not the rule. So, I do the best that I can. :)

Sorry - I think I may have hijacked this thread!

[foodlady]

<<SNORT>> :D

As to Angelina's comment on the cost, I don't know what our school policy is, but I also thought of this issue last year when my twins were in kindergarten. During their "star of the week", they also got to bring in snacks EVERY DAY during that week - that is 22 kids x 5 days = expensive, time consuming and down right made me crabby - and I like to bake! Even worse, they were in separate classes, and so we had to do that twice!



OMG! I can't imagine!

The snack thing doesn't bug me, but they bring home a "snack calendar" every month, so I have plenty of warning. I also stock up on crackers and juice when they go on sale, so I've always got backup for the weeks that sneak up on me. (Of course, if I had to provide snack every day of the week x2 I would be VERY crabby!!!)

Last night we laid out clothes for today -- train pajama bottoms and flannel shirts, with a silly hat. They thought it was hillarious! Unfortunately, they both woke up sick today. UGH. Bryce was so disappointed, he cried. And, of course, I had just accepted a last minute editing project that needs to be done by noon today...no problem on a preschool day, right? Ugh. (I did get the project done and even managed a few "preschool activities" too.) So all is well.

Thanks for all of the fun ideas and I'm glad to know I'm not alone!

[SDMomChef]

This may be unique to me since I am not organized, or for our school, but I was surprised by kindergarten and how many pictures we constantly had to send to school for different projects. Of course, I don't just have doubles laying around, and I am loath to have them bring pictures to school to have them lost. The easy solution would be to get a photo printer....but anyhoo, I have been telling my friends with kids who are not in kindergarten yet to just make some extra pictures and put them in an envelope - it will save them time down the road. :)

Glad things worked out...and isn't that just typical that when you finally find the things for them to wear they get sick! Glad you got things put together....you mention them, do you have twins too?

[momqat]

Clearly, I need to be more involved in the PTA....but wait, I am a working mom and the PTA meets at 2:00 in the afternoon. Yes, I have complained, but I get a cold shoulder because it is run by the SAHMs and the current "regime" is not really working mom sympathetic.
Don't know if this would be possible for you to suggest, but our PTA used to alternate meetings between day and evening, so both SAHM's and those who work outside the home could have a chance to attend. It worked out well for us and gave a little more chance for people who wanted to get involved to do so. We also got the extra benefit of dads attending in the evening, as well. Win-win situation for everyone.

[clairea]

Don't know if this would be possible for you to suggest, but our PTA used to alternate meetings between day and evening, so both SAHM's and those who work outside the home could have a chance to attend. It worked out well for us and gave a little more chance for people who wanted to get involved to do so. We also got the extra benefit of dads attending in the evening, as well. Win-win situation for everyone.

Our PTA started doing this a couple of years ago as well, and it does seem to work really well. Of course, if the people running the PTA aren't receptive to the idea, it is hard to implement ;) The easy thing to say is "get involved", but I know that is not so easy to do when you are trying to work, raise a family, fulfill other committments, etc. I am eternally grateful to the people who have taken on PTA leadership at our school, but I don't have the time or the stamina to be one of them.

Don't most of you get a "snack week" during the year? I know I usually have to do it a couple of weeks (every day for a week each time) for each of my kids. It is a rotating thing, and I would rather do one whole week in the fall semester and one whole week in the spring semester than have it roll around for one day at a time every few weeks. If everybody just has one "snack day", does it just keep rotating through the whole class so you have to bring snack every few weeks, or do you just do it once during the year?

Foodlady, I hope your boys are feeling better. It's that time of year, isn't it ? :(

[BarbaraL]

<<SNORT>> :D

Clearly, I need to be more involved in the PTA....but wait, I am a working mom and the PTA meets at 2:00 in the afternoon. Yes, I have complained, but I get a cold shoulder because it is run by the SAHMs and the current "regime" is not really working mom sympathetic. I have good friends that are SAHMs, and I know the current "regime" is the exception, not the rule. So, I do the best that I can. :)

This happened to me when DD was little. Our School-Community-Association (SCA) meetings were in the early evening, and I went to the first couple when DD entered public school. The meetings (and association) were run by SAHMs who were very clique-y and didn't even acknowledge the existence of us new arrivals. All the activities they asked for volunteers for were during the day; I finally spoke up and said I'd be happy to help, but was only available in the evenings. They were so condescending and almost rude (maybe there's something we can find for you to do), I stopped going to the meetings. These same women complained that they didn't get enough help. Eventually, a more working-mother-friendly group took over, and I started going again.

[foodlady]

SD Mom -- I do have twins! Fraternal boys who turned four in January. Always an adventure, but I wouldn't want it any other way! :)

clairea -- it is that time of year. We just got over really nasty colds a few weeks ago, so I'm hoping this one is just a quick stuffy nose....I can't wait until spring!!

:eek: :( (These smilies have nothing to do with my post, but my boys are peeking over my shoulder and wanted me to put them in....)